The floral dress would be nice, paired with the high heels and the purse with the rose appliqué. I meticulously straighten my hair, and my makeup will be subtle, with emphasis on the lips.
I'll look like Gisele Bündchen as a flower princess.
Yes. Equipped like that, I can face Noah and his girlfriend without losing my composure.
***
Hours later, there's nothing left of my conviction. I nibble on my lower lip, alternating my gaze between the clock and the mirror.
I should have left already, but I still don't look perfect. A rebellious strand of hair refuses to stay smooth, and my face appears blotchy. At least the outfit fits well, as does the lipstick. My eyelashes elegantly sweep up to my brows.
One last time, I fixate on my reflection. "You can do this."
As if to agree with myself, I nod. "He's a boring, unattractive, insignificant man. Nothing more."
With this mantra in my mind, I finally leave the cottage. I can barely walk on the uneven gravel path with my pencil heels, but they look so hot on my feet that it's worth it.
When I reach the edge of the forest, I realize that the party is already in full swing. It seems like the whole village is out and about. Between patio heaters, atmospherically lit garlands, and colorful ribbons, Hanna is pouring shots onto a tray. The smell of grilled food makes my mouth water. The festive mood of the guests reaches me, as does the lively music. It's not entirely to my taste, but it puts everyone in a good mood, and a glance at the sun terrace adorned with colorful ribbons tells me it's a great place to dance.
I march toward the celebrating group. Inevitably, I search for Noah, but I can't find him or his girlfriend anywhere. Just to be sure, I even look away from the guests. Maybe they're hiding in a dark corner,whispering sweet nothings to each other. But no matter how attentively I search, I don't see them. Thank goodness.
"Elina!" Hanna has spotted me and waves at me.
I hurry over to her. Even before I reach the well-laid table around which the guests have gathered, dozens of eyes scrutinize me. And a second later, I understand why.
No one here has dressed up for the occasion. The others are wearing everyday clothes. Occasionally, I spot a traditional jacket with jeans or a collar peeking out from under a roughly knitted sweater, but that's about it.
"People, this is Elina," Hanna takes the lead in speaking for me. "She's our new doctor, so be nice to her." She grins, handing me a shot glass.
Everyone laughs, and I can't help but grin as well. I raise my hand in greeting and look into the friendly faces. I even recognize some of them from the clinic.
There's the woman with conjunctivitis whose eyes look perfectly fine today, and the man who recently came with his son.
I take a step toward him. "Hello, Hans. How's your little one doing?"
"The rash is almost gone," he replies, clinking his glass against mine.
"I'm glad to hear that." I clink my glass against his and down it in one gulp. The clear liquid burns my throat, making me cough.
"It seems our Dr. Elina still needs some practice," I hear a woman's voice from the group, followed by approving laughter.
Grinning, I present my empty glass. "Well then, fillme up," I say because I simply can't help it. This is the first evening since my arrival here that I spend with people. The first party in two far too long and far too quiet weeks.
In the coming hours, I savor every moment. I sample Hanna's apple strudel, drink friendship at least three times with each villager, and lose five times in that game where you have to hammer a nail into a wooden stake using the narrow side of the hammer. Shots and beer flow abundantly, and the music becomes more exuberant, just like my mood. And when Hanna's boyfriend, Florian, asks me to dance, I can't be stopped anymore.
I have no idea how this folk dance works, but I don't care. Amused and giggling, I hook my arm through his and stumble toward the dance floor.
"Are you ready?" he asks, looking at me expectantly.
I nod. "Let's do it."
Florian places his hand on my hip and pulls me close with a strong tug. He spins me around, and the garden, along with the party decorations, whirls around me at a dizzying speed.
This is insane. A loud scream escapes my mouth as my dance partner spins me faster and faster. In no moment since I arrived here have I felt so alive. The hustle and bustle and the exuberant atmosphere overshadow the almost suffocating silence that usually reigns in this village.
It should always be like this.
I enjoy the dance, which ends too quickly. "One more time," I demand of Florian when the music momentarily stops.
